Their private visit to Bush’s flag-draped casket lasted about two minutes. They didn’t speak as they bowed their heads and paid tribute, but Trump saluted and the first lady put her hand over her heart before they turned and left. After a quick, uneventful six-minute ride down Pennsylvania Avenue, the Trumps were back at the White House.

The Trumps’ visit came well after bipartisan congressional leaders held a ceremony in the Rotunda for the 41st president that was attended by Bush’s son, former President George W. Bush; George H.W. Bush's vice president, Dan Quayle; a number of the elder Bush’s Cabinet members and many other dignitaries.

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The Trumps did not attend that ceremony, but are expected to attend Bush’s funeral service at National Cathedral on Wednesday.

Thousands of people had begun to trickle into the Capitol to pay their respects to Bush after the congressional ceremony when the doors to the Rotunda were suddenly closed.